CSAC Presents Awards to State and County Leaders
Governor Honored with President's Award; Four Receive Distinguished Service Awards
One of the most important elements of the CSAC Annual Meeting is honoring individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help Counties serve the people of California more effectively.
For the 2013 Annual Meeting in San Jose, Santa Clara County outgoing-CSAC President David Finigan chose Governor Jerry Brown to receive the CSAC President’s Award. “We have enjoyed many successes together and greatly appreciate the Governor’s accessibility to CSAC and our member counties through these difficult financial times,” said Supervisor Finigan. “As the State’s economy improves and these important reforms take shape, we look forward to a healthy state/county relationship for years to come.”
CSAC also recognized several leaders with Distinguished Service Awards. They include:
- State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, who has worked closely with CSAC on mental health, the Affordable Care Act and land use issues.
- California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Diana Dooley, who played a key role negotiating AB 85 and SB 98 and worked cooperatively with CSAC and counties throughout the process.
- Special Advisor to the Governor’s Department of Finance Diane Cummins, who has worked tirelessly with CSAC on the 2011 Realignment plan and this year played a critical role in implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
- Yolo County Supervisor and CSAC Immediate Past President Mike McGowan, who many of us call a friend, mentor and colleague. Mike’s 20 years as a Yolo County Supervisor and his work on behalf of CSAC are indeed “legendary.”
Former CSAC and National Association of Counties Executive Director Larry Naake was honored with the CSAC Past Presidents Life Achievement Award. Mr. Naake dedicated his career to public service, particularly counties.
CSAC also presented several “Circle of Service” Awards to people who through their commitment, energy and leadership have helped CSAC implement policies that work for Californians:
- Kathy Long, Ventura County Supervisor,
- Merita Callaway. Calaveras County Supervisor
- Bill Goodwin, Tehama County Chief Administrator
- Mark Saladino, Los Angeles Treasurer/Tax Collector
- Linda Penner, Board of State and Community Corrections Chair
- Pat Proano, Los Angeles County Assistant Deputy Director of Public Works
- Nick Warner, Policy Director, California State Sheriffs’ Association
- Karen Pank, Executive Director, Chief Probation Officers of California
- Graham Knaus, Assistant Director, Placer County Health & Human Services Department
- Andy Pease, Executive Finance Director, San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency
- David M. Souleles, Deputy Agency Director, Orange County Health Care Agency
- Lee Kemper, Director of Policy and Planning, County Medical Services Program
- Judith Reigel, Executive Director, County Health Executives Association of California
- Eileen Cubanski, Senior Fiscal and Policy Analyst, County Welfare Directors Association
- Pete Parkinson, Retired Director, Sonoma County Permit and Resources Management Department
- Leonard Kaye, Retired SB 90 Coordinator, Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller’s Office
- Mary McMillan, Retired San Mateo County Deputy County Manager